Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology

09/21/2023

Are you a teacher, therapist, job coach, parent, or caregiver working with an individual to increase independence or time management skills? Would you like to trial a visual/auditory timer to see if the device is the right fit for your training? APTAT currently has a Learning Resources Time Tracker available for short term loan.
The Time Tracker is a visual timer with a "traffic light concept". The timer can be programmed with a set time that is broken down into segments of time that is identified as green, yellow, or red lights. As the time gets closer to expiration the lights will shift to yellow and then to red. An optional auditory alert is also available.
Visit https://al.at4all.com/item/ to request the Time Tracker. Loans are available to Alabamian's at no cost and can be shipped directly to you.
Contact Ashley McLeroy for demonstrations or if you would like more information about incorporating visual timers with your consumer: [email protected]

09/21/2023

Custom Fit Shoes for Different Sized Feet
Fleet Feet Birmingham, located at 3060 Healthy Way in Birmingham, uses 3D foot scanning technology to provide running shoes that fit each foot properly. About 80% of people have a noticeable different between their left and right foot. Fleet Feet staff can scan your feet and provide custom fitted shoes in their newly expanded location. The 3600 square foot store offers 10 brands of high end walking and running shoes, along with active apparel and athletic gear.
For more information, visit:
https://www.fleetfeet.com/fit-process

09/20/2023

Our mission is to improve knowledge, acquisition, and access to assistive technology for Alabamians with disabilities. We're doing that by providing an assistive technology lending library for individuals to trial devices, AT training to increase knowledge of AT across the community, an AT demonstration center in Birmingham, and information about AT services as requested. Visit to learn more about our services.

How can you help us for free?
1. Share, like, or comment on our posts
2. Tell others that you heard about us
3. Schedule us to speak for your organization or event
4. Request trainings or demonstrations for you and your colleagues
5. Let us know about cool new products
6. Give us feedback on the types of technology and trainings you'd like to see us provide
7. Become an advocate for AT

09/20/2023

Blindness and Clinical Trials Webinar on October 13, 2023
9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Please join us as we discuss clinical trials for the blind and low vision community with these expert presenters: Ben Shaberman, VP Science Communications Foundation Fighting Blindness. Marin Allen, former Deputy Director of Communications, National Institute of Health. Maggie Cashion, Clinical Research Manager, Prism Vision Group:
https://accessiblepharmacy.com/blindness-and-clinical-trials-webinar/

Please join Accessible Pharmacy Services as we discuss clinical trials for the blind and low vision community with expert presenters.

09/18/2023

It’s looking like Christmas here at the new APT AT Demo and Loan center! We’re so excited to be adding tons of new assistive technology for YOU to try. What are you hoping to see we’ve added?

09/18/2023

If This Then That (IFTTT) Adds AI to their automation arsenal
For those not familiar with IFTTT, it is an online digitals platform that allows for the automation of tasks, and can link different services across different platforms. What does that mean? It means that if your garage door opens, then you can make Alexa tell you it has opened, of it your Ambient Weather Station detects rain fall, then your automatic watering system can be turned off. A lot of people use it to help with home automation when they have different systems that need to be linked together.
IFTTT has added several new AI based services
AI Social Creator generates short-form content for social media posts
AI Content Creator generates long-form content like blogs and outlines
AI Summarizer generates summaries of content like blogs or meeting notes
AI Prompt generates responses for questions or prompts that you request
https://ifttt.com/explore/ifttt-ai

Automate your business with IFTTT's AI tools!

09/16/2023

Check out this cool technology for the kitchen!

09/15/2023

Amy Heerten, one of the engineers in the Rehab Engineering & Assistive Technology Program, wanted to share an AAC app She found recently. This app is https://spokenaac.com/. It is intended for consumers who have reading comprehension since the pictures are minimal. The main component is the large selection of predictive text options. For consumers who have difficulty typing and speaking, a larger predictive word bank can be helpful. On the iPad, there is the option to draw or write the words instead of typing.

Spoken is the natural-language assistant for people with aphasia and other speech disorders. It’s an entirely new kind of augmentative and alternative communication that predicts the words you want next. You build real sentences quickly on your phone or tablet, and Spoken speaks them automatically...

09/14/2023

Short Handrails to help with one or two steps.
These door jam handrails are designed to provide support when climbing a step or two, when there is no wall next to the steps to mount a traditional handrail. There are an array of metal loop hand rails and wood handrails available from this company.
https://holdtighthandrails.com/collections/jamb-mount-railings/products/hold-tight-handrail-jamb-mount

Our jamb mount handrail brings confidence to navigating small sets of steps or stairs. These two to three step railings are perfect for garage steps or other small sets of stairs outdoors and inside. Choose between white handrails or black handrails for steps.

09/13/2023

Accessing Higher Ground Conference from the Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD) on November 6-10, 2023
Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference. Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, Colorado:
https://accessinghigherground.org/

26th Annual Accessing Higher Ground: Accessible Media, Web & Technology Conference; for Higher Education, Business and the Public Sphere

09/12/2023

Using Siri on your iOS Device to Read an Article Outloud
I have been using both the select and read and the 2 finger swipe down to read stuff on my iPhone and iPad for years. Now Siri can be used to read articles in Safari.
https://coolblindtech.com/how-to-get-siri-to-read-articles-out-loud-on-ios-17/

On your iPhone, you can now ask Siri to read articles out loud. While speech-to-text has been available for a while, asking Siri to read any open articles is a new iOS 17 feature. How to ask Siri to read articles out loud On your iOS 17 device, you first need to open any article […]

09/11/2023

Today is Jeff Mega’s 23rd anniversary as a Rehabilitation Engineer at the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Jeff has been a tireless advocate for connecting people with disabilities to assistive technology. He has a Master of Science in Bioengineering from Clemson University (go Tigers!), and he started his career in Montgomery on September 11, 2000. Jeff completed the ADRS Leadership Training Institute in 2021. He is currently providing rehab engineering and assistive technology services for offices in Dothan, Troy, and Andalusia.
Over the years, Jeff Mega has helped thousands of children and adults with disabilities reach their maximum potential with assistive technology. He is our go to expert in Android and Chromebook accessibility and knows more about the technical aspects of Augmentation Communication Devices than anyone else we know. Jeff is a top expert in providing job accommodations and serves as a mentor for new staff in the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology program.
Thank you, Jeff, for all you do!

09/08/2023

How Apple's watchOS 9 Gesture Control Can Help You With Tech
Did you know you can control your Apple Watch using hand gestures and wrist movements? Apple's watchOS 9 release has unveiled even more sophisticated accessibility options, and here we provide tips about how to access them.

Benefit from a new set of guidance which outlines simple step-by-step instructions for how Apple's watchOS 9 release will transform how you interact with some of your tech.
https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/how-apples-watchos-9-can-help-you-tech

From sophisticated hand gestures to wrist movements, and the auto-call answer option, Apple's watchOS 9 developments will enhance your control of the device.

09/07/2023

Inclusive Design 24 on 21 September 2023
Inclusive Design 24 ( ) is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between.
https://inclusivedesign24.org/2023/

A free 24-hour online community event on accessibility and inclusion

09/06/2023

Applying Accessibility Standards to Self-Service Kiosks
As public, self service kiosks have started popping up everywhere, from airports, government license offices, to Taco Bell, a lack of accessibility is an issue. They are often touch screen devices (not visually accessible) and are too high for access from a wheelchair. Guess you will just need to use the Taco Bell app to order your nachos bell grande.
Here is a brief article on applying accessibility standards to these kiosks.
https://www.olea.com/news/applying-accessibility-standards-to-self-service-kiosks/

Understanding and implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards in self-service kiosks is an issue of growing importance.

09/05/2023

Final Rule on Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines
For those of us who use the Access Board website for the ADA Accessibility Standards, U.S. Access Board addressed the inaccessibility of sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian facilities by issuing a final rule on accessibility guidelines for pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way.
https://www.access-board.gov/news/2023/08/08/u-s-access-board-issues-final-rule-on-public-right-of-way-accessibility-guidelines/

The U.S. Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards for the built environment, transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment, and information....

09/04/2023

10 Brilliant Facts About Braille
I love reading Mental Floss, the magazine first launched in Birmingham
Here is an interesting article about Braille. There will be a quiz ;)
https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/braille-facts

Louis Braille's tactile system revolutionized education and communication for blind people.

09/03/2023

Who might be interested in learning more about assistive technology?

1. Teachers
2. Occupational, Physical, or Speech Therapists
3. HR or Equal Opportunity Teams
4. Disability Support Services
5. AT Specialists
6. People with disabilities
7. Primary Caregivers
8. Employers
9. Disability Service Providers
10. Everyone, actually...

Our hope is to help EVERYONE learn more about assistive technology because EVERYONE benefits from it! How can you learn more? Follow our social media pages, sign up for our e-newsletter, visit our blog, borrow from our AT library, request a demonstration, contact us. Visit www.startraining.org/events to find training opportunities including those offered from our APTAT webinar series. We're also taking suggestions on what type of technology you'd like highlighted for our webinar series.

Would you like AT Training for your conference, organization, or meeting? Contact Ashley McLeroy with your training requests. We can tailor our trainings to your specific assistive technology interests or we can provide general information on AT.
Email: [email protected]

09/01/2023

Wearable Smart Glasses, Are the Envision Glasses any good?
Following is a commentary on the author's perception of Envision smart glasses.
Before I write this article, I want to make something very clear. As you’ll read, I had a very mixed experience with the Envision glasses, but that’s no reflection of Envision more generally. Their app is in my view an under-appreciated rival to seeing AI, and others may well have a much better experience with the Envision glasses compared to me, in fact I know some have. This review is simply my opinion of the product, based on my experience using it at a specific point in time. The product may improve significantly down the road, but for now, this is my experience.
https://www.ncbi.ie/are-the-envision-glasses-any-good/

by David Redmond Before I write this article, I want to make something very clear. As you’ll read, I had a very mixed experience with the Envision glasses, but that’s no reflection of Envision more generally. Their app is in my view an under-appreciated rival to seeing AI, and others may well ha...

08/31/2023

Our good friend, Timothy Emmons, was interviewed last Friday by Troy Public Radio’s show In Focus, discussing the Alabama Regional Library for the Blind. The Alabama Public Library Services is one of the best resources for accessible media and educational supports in our state. You can hear Tim’s interview at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus-with-carolyn-hutcheson/id1541385381?i=1000626278833
And a direct link to the library can be found at https://aplsws2.apls.state.al.us/library-for-the-blind/

Alabama Public Library Service

08/31/2023

DOJ seeks Public Comment on rules to strengthen web and mobile app access
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that aims to improve web and mobile applications (apps) access for people with disabilities and clarify how public entities, primarily state and local governments, can meet their existing ADA obligations as many of their activities shift online. The public can submit comments through October 3, 2023.
https://www.access-board.gov/news/2023/08/15/department-of-justice-seeks-public-comment-on-proposed-rule-to-strengthen-web-and-mobile-app-access-for-people-with-disabilities/

The U.S. Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards for the built environment, transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment, and information....

08/30/2023

Should you Braille your Business Card?
In an increasingly inclusive business landscape, the question of whether to add braille to business cards has become relevant for many professionals. While a significant portion of the global population won’t directly benefit from braille business cards, their importance extends beyond the visually impaired community. As businesses strive to stand out, resonate more deeply with their audience, and showcase corporate responsibility, braille cards serve as a symbol of commitment to inclusivity. But for those who read braille, it is not just a useful tool, but a lasting impression on you and your company.
https://evengrounds.com/should-i-add-braille-to-my-business-card/

In an increasingly inclusive business landscape, the question of whether to add braille to business cards has become relevant for many professionals. While a significant portion of the global popul…

08/29/2023

Missed our webinars? Don't worry! You can still catch up and broaden your assistive technology knowledge.

Visit our Youtube Channel for recorded content

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

08/29/2023

TV Access for People who are Blind
Here is an interview about How Samsung TVs and RNIB Are Setting a New Benchmark for Accessible Technology.
https://news.samsung.com/global/interview-how-samsung-tvs-and-rnib-are-setting-a-new-benchmark-for-accessible-technology

Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), has dedicated his career to creating an inclusive environment.

08/29/2023

New Assistive Technology Book Launch. You can win a copy today at 11 AM!

From Marcia Scherer:

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to the launch of the following new book on Tuesday, August 29 at 18:00 Paris time (noon New York time). This is during the AAATE preconference.

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Evidence-Based Assessment Framework for Assistive Technology:
The MPT and MATCH-ACES Assessments
Edited by Susan A. Zapf, Ph.D., OTR/L, ATP
Please Click here to review the Table of Contents -- and more!
20% discount for all GATE members. Enter the code AFL02 at checkout.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Two books will be raffled off: Sue Zapf's book above and a copy of the Assistive Technology Assessment Handbook edited by Stefano Federici and Marcia Scherer. Both books are in the Rehabilitation Science in Practice series published by CRC Press.
https://www.routledge.com/Rehabilitation-Science-in-Practice-Series/book-series/CRCPRESERIN
While the two books make a nice set, they are being raffled off separately.
Sue Zapf and Marcia Scherer will participate remotely. Chapter authors Natasha Layton, Ger Craddock, and Alexandra Danial-Saad – all participants at the 2017 GREAT Summit! – will be your on-site hosts and will be available to answer questions about the books and book series, which currently is a collection of 24 texts inviting proposals for new titles.
The launch is sponsored by the Institute for Matching Person & Technology.
To participate remotely, here is the the Zoom link:
Topic: AAATE MPT Book Launch Reception
Time: Aug 29, 2023 11:00 (Houston)
Noon (New York), 18:00 (Paris)

Join Zoom Meeting
us06web.zoom.us/j/86047610037

Meeting ID: 860 4761 0037

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Routledge & CRC Press Series: CRC Press is proud to have launched an innovative series, The Rehabilitation Science in Practice Series, which has published books and monographs based on cutti

08/28/2023

Would you like to know more about funding options for assistive technology? Join us Tuesday, August 29, as we hear from Kevin Braswell, CEO of Smart Solutions and APT AT Program Consultant, to learn about waivers, grants, and other organizations that can be a financial resource.

Registration is required: https://pulse.ly/rwioo69wcl

08/28/2023

PneuMobility Air Powered Water Proof Power Wheelchair
If you use a power wheelchair AND want to access very wet environments, you have got to check this out!
Uses high pressure air cannisters to replace batteries. This completely eliminates the need for all electronics and batteries, creating a lighter power wheelchair that can be submerged in water.
Air canisters can be recharged in a few minutes instead of 8 hours for batteries.
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/pneumatic-wheelchair-lightweight-waterproof/
PneuMobilitiy Project at the Human Engineering Research Laboratory at the University of Pittsburg
https://www.herl.pitt.edu/research/pneumobility

Air-powered wheelchair is waterproof, lightweight, and doesn’t need its batteries to be replaced at great cost every year.

08/25/2023

Do you have input on assistive technology services for the state of Alabama? Please join us Monday during our AT Act Advisory Council meeting as we have an open floor discussion on needs and opportunities in our state.

Registration required: https://pulse.ly/y0gg1a8y51

08/25/2023

Nearly 20 years after a stroke, a paralyzed woman is able to speak again—simply by thinking—thanks to A.I. Watch here
A paralyzed woman can speak again, thanks to a small panel of electrodes implanted onto her brain and a digital avatar developed by scientists in California.

It marks the first time speech and facial expressions have been captured from brain signals and communicated by an avatar—one that speaks with the patient’s own voice.

https://fortune.com/well/2023/08/23/new-technology-allows-paralyzed-woman-speak-again-own-voice-avatar-brain-computer-interface-electrodes-university-california-san-francisco/

It marks the first time speech and facial expressions have been captured from brain signals and communicated by an avatar that speaks with the patient’s own voice, researchers say.

08/24/2023

AI is already playing a massive part in our lives; however, what role does artificial intelligence play in accessibility? Mike Taylor, Senior Accessibility Analyst, Comms and Training Manager from the Digital Accessibility Centre explores this question.
https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/the-future-of-artificial-intelligence-in-accessibility/165188/

AI is already playing a massive part in our lives, however, what role does artificial intelligence play in accessibility?

08/23/2023

Would you like to know more about funding options for assistive technology? Join us Tuesday, August 29, as we hear from Kevin Braswell, CEO of Smart Solutions and APT AT Program Consultant, to learn about waivers, grants, and other organizations that can be a financial resource.

Registration is required: https://pulse.ly/0ww3uql1yo

08/18/2023

The FCC Will Now Offer $75 Off Your Home Internet If You Qualify
So many pieces of assistive technology require internet access in order to achieve full functionality. Devices such as Amazon Alexa and IoT devices for environmental control, to Glean software for notetaking, to OtterAI or Ava for Real Time Text Transcription.
The Affordable Connectivity Program as directed by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Infrastructure Act) can help customers in high cost areas afford high speed access. To qualify for this program, you, or your child or dependent, are enrolled in government programs like Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, or others, or, based on your household income.
For more information, visit:
https://cordcuttersnews.com/the-fcc-will-now-offer-75-off-your-home-internet-if-you-qualify/
To see if you qualify, visit: https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/

Today the FCC announced a measure to offer $75 a month off of home internet services for qualifying customers in high-cost areas through the Affordable Connectivity Program as directed by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Infrastructure Act). This is for customers who qualify for the progr...

08/17/2023

Would you like to know more about funding options for assistive technology? Join us Tuesday, August 29, as we hear from Kevin Braswell, CEO of Smart Solutions and APT AT Program Consultant, to learn about waivers, grants, and other organizations that can be a financial resource.

Registration is required: https://pulse.ly/k1at6j58zy

08/17/2023

Introducing: Be My AI
The Be My Eyes app, which uses remote volunteers to help people who are blind with visual tasks, is releasing a beta for a Virtual Volunteer, powered by Chat GPT-4. Testing will soon be open. If you are interested visit:
https://www.bemyeyes.com/blog/introducing-be-my-ai

Be My Eyes’ Virtual Volunteer, powered by GPT-4, gets a new name and will soon be open to beta testing by hundreds of iOS users worldwide

08/16/2023

One of the biggest challenges people face as they transition to independence is learning Financial Literacy. At the Alabama MEGA conference this year, we saw
Personal Finance Lab in the exhibit hall. They have created games to help anyone learn how to create and maintain a budget and a stock market game using real-time data to learn about investing. They games were created for students and schools, but are also available for people of any age to help them gain financial literacy. Each game is $15 per student account.
https://personalfinancelab.com/
Small class and home school license: https://teachpersonalfinance.com/product/personalfinancelab-small-classes-and-homeschool/

Our financial literacy games include budgeting game & stock game with curriculum for personal finance classes.

08/15/2023

In honor of NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY - August 15, 2023, here are some assistive technologies to help with relaxation:
Breathe2Relax is a portable stress management tool which provides detailed information on the effects of stress on the body and instructions and practice exercises to help users learn the stress management skill called diaphragmatic breathing.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe2relax/id425720246
Relax Accessible IR Learning Remote is an accessible infrared learning remote that comes with an updated modern design and provides simplified control of almost any IR device. With a light touch or with the use of a switch, an individual can control up to eight functions on their favorite IR device.
https://www.infogrip.com/relax-accessible-ir-learning-remote.html
BetterSleep: Relax and Sleep helps create a personalized sleep experience for more restful nights and wakeful days. Stress less and sleep better with our sleep tracker, night time recorder, soothing sounds, music, and guided content.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/relax-melodies-sleep-sounds-white-noise-fan/id314498713
Chill Outz® is an app that teaches children specific relaxation techniques. It is an app designed by a child psychologist, Jacqueline Vorpahl. The app features a collection of fun animated stories to help teach children techniques to stay mindful and relaxed anywhere, anytime.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chill-outz/id917373588